Weather
November is late spring in northern Argentina and southern Brazil, where Iguazú Falls are located. Expect highs in the upper 80s, lows in the 60s—after dark, you may want a jacket or sweater—and moderate to high humidity. This is also one of the wettest months in the area. Bring your own rain gear, or, in a pinch, buy an inexpensive poncho at one of the gift shops in the national park: they're sold year-round, not only for rainy days, but also for visitors to the park who don't want to get soaking wet on boat excursions on the river.
The days start getting noticeably longer in November, which means more outdoors time for hiking, boating, and relaxing by the pool at your hotel. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and mosquito repellant: welcome to the jungle!
Crowds & Costs
Iguazú sees an uptick of international tourism in November: when the weather starts getting cold in the northern hemisphere, travelers from the US and Europe plan trips to warmer destinations. Larger hotels fill up with travelers on package tours around Argentina and Brazil, and especially on weekends, the parks get crowded.
Still, generally speaking, costs remain stable—you won't have to pay an inflated rate for a hotel room. To have the best options, it's advisable to get your plane tickets and hotel reservations well in advance. Consider renting a car ahead of time, too if you think you'll need one: car rental companies at the airport sometimes run out of vehicles.
What To Do
November is a wonderful time for hiking and wildlife viewing on the parks' jungle trails. Get an early start to beat the heat, and make sure to use the train system that transports you between the park's entrance and major attractions like La Garganta del Diablo, a dramatic lookout point perched high over the cascades. Be prepared for rain and quickly changing weather (and the mosquitoes that sometimes come along with it), and watch your step—catwalks can get slippery—as you explore the parks' trails stopping at viewing platforms and lookout points along the way. Note that overcast weather creates ideal conditions for photography.
Rainfall makes the level of Iguazú River rise, so November is a particularly thrilling time to go on the Gran Aventura excursion that takes you by all-terrain vehicle and boat to the base of the falls. You'll get wet, even drenched, which feels great on a hot day. Be aware that high water levels, which can happen in the post-summer period, can affect tour schedules, even if you reserve ahead of time. Ask at the Visitors Center at Parque Nacional Iguazú, the departure point for the tour.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Look For
As mentioned above, there's an advantage to visiting Iguazú during the rainy season: the river level is high, so the falls look especially dramatic. Enjoy the spectacular views—just be careful on the hiking trail, as catwalks can get slippery when wet.
Look for bright green and red hummingbirds and plush-crested jays, striking birds that are amazingly unafraid of human visitors. You'll see howler and capuchin monkeys climbing through the branches that frame hiking trails, plus a colorful array of butterflies. If you board a boat for the Gran Aventura tour, look for herons, kingfishers, and birds of prey. On a night tour, you'll have the chance to see a wide variety of owls, including the tropical screech-owl, as well as nighthawks and other creatures that only come out at night.
It's a thrill to spot a toucan in the wild—there are several varieties that live here, so your chances are good—and even more so to see the elusive jaguar. It's not likely that you'll see the world's third-largest cat while on a hike, but it's not impossible: keep in mind that jaguars are drawn to rivers and streams, and they love to swim.
Events & Activities
Walks in the Moonlight: Iguazú National Park offers guided nocturnal tours on five evenings each month. The schedule depends on the lunar calendar. Sign up ahead of time for the chance to see the park’s natural attractions under the moonlight, plus owls and other creatures that only come out at night. Several departures are available (7:45, 8:30, and 9:15pm) and reservations are required.
Visiting Iguazú Falls in November? Check out these itineraries.
Buenos Aires & Iguazú Falls Experience - 7 Days Begin your journey in Buenos Aires and head to Iguazú Falls to see the jaw-dropping beauty of the largest waterfall system in the world. You'll get to experience the falls from both Argentina and Brazil, and take in a tango show in the capital city.
Ultimate Iguazú Falls Experience - 4 Days This four-day getaway to Iguazú Falls takes you into the heart of one of Argentina’s most prized destinations. Then, you'll experience another side of the falls from Brazil, with expansive, panoramic views.
More Helpful Information
Ultimate Guide to Iguazú National Park
Argentina in November
Argentina Tours & Itineraries
Iguazú Falls in October
Iguazú Falls in December